NGK employees raise money for charity

Two NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd employees are gearing themselves up to raise money for two separate charities.

Stuart Bayne and John Money will be undertaking individual challenges to raise funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and Children With Cancer UK respectively.
The first challenge will see Stuart take part in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22, in what will be his fourth charity money-making endeavour for the DSA, having previously raised funds by taking part in last year’s London 100 Cycle ride as well as sponsored rides in Europe and New Zealand.

Stuart, who is Sales Manager – North for NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “I’m not really a runner, but started training in May last year with a gentle three-mile run. Slowly stretching the distance and 700 miles later I’m hopefully ready for the 22nd.

“I completed my first half marathon in early November and my longest run to date is 18.5 miles so fingers crossed I’m ready to complete the 26.2-mile marathon course.
“Training through the winter has been tough with horrible weather on evenings when you have to run rather than choose to. I’m just interested in getting to the finishing line, rather than achieving the fastest time, but I hope to come in at around 5 hours 30 minutes. I’ve done a couple of big challenges in the past, but I am sure this is going to be the toughest.”

Stuart Bayne, Sales Manager

Meanwhile his colleague John is planning to undertake a 10,000 feet skydive at Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, Shropshire on Saturday, May 12.

The NGK Sales Representative said: “Cancer is a terrible disease for anyone to deal with but in particular when it affects young children and their families.

“To help in a very small way I thought I could raise a few pounds by jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. As I struggle climbing a ladder this is going to be quite a challenge, but I will conquer my fear of heights and do this.”

The duo are being supported in their bid by ignition specialist NGK which is an original equipment (OE) supplier of spark plugs, glow plugs and NTK Lambda and other engine management sensors, plus ignition coils.

John Money, NGK Sales Representative

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “We would like to wish both Stuart and John every success in their respective efforts to raise money for two such fantastic charities.”

If you would like to sponsor both men, you can do so by logging on to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and entering their names.